According to The Verge, Executive Vice President Terry Myerson told attendees of Microsoft’s annual Company Meeting today that Microsoft is planning to combine its Windows Phone Store and Windows Store into a single app store. The move is expected to come as early as early next year, when Microsoft releases Windows Phone 8.1 (or “Blue”), and a special update to Windows 8.1.

Myerson had hinted last week at such a convergence at the Financial Analysts Meeting, and a move to consolidate the stores wouldn’t be surprising. What’s still unclear is if current Windows Phone apps would be available to run on Windows 8.1 devices, similar to how iPhone apps can run on iPads.

Microsoft is holding its Company Meeting today at Seattle Center’s Key Arena, with some 13,000 Microsoft employees in attendance at what in all likelihood will be outgoing CEO Steve Ballmer’s last. GeekWire has more on the logistics of the meeting, which is also webcast to employees unable to attend.